Argus Systems Group Receives Patent for Unique Application Security Technology.

Business/Technology Editors

SAVOY, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2002

Award-winning PitBull Recognized for Its Ability to Protect

Computer Networks Against Malicious Intruders, Worms and Viruses

Argus Systems Group, Inc., an international leader in application security for the extended enterprise, today announced that it has received U.S. patent number 6,289,462 B1 for the exclusive network security and secure application environment components of its PitBull(TM) technology. This award specifically protects PitBull's unique approach to network security and its ability to allow administrators to create secure Web server environments. Additional patents for security components and features of the PitBull technology are still pending.

The PitBull application security technologies make it possible for enterprise administrators to rapidly create and deploy highly-secure, cost-effective, network server environments. PitBull protects servers from attacks to alter data and Web pages, steal proprietary information or monetary assets, violate consumer privacy protections, launch denial of service attacks, and otherwise tamper with system and data resources. PitBull protects against threats both known and unknown, and prevents viruses, worms and other rogue programs from damaging or gaining access to system resources and critical data.

"Argus is founded on our ability to develop and deliver cutting-edge solutions to today's security vulnerabilities," said Randy Sandone, president and chief executive officer of Argus Systems Group, Inc. "Our patented PitBull security approach has been demonstrated to be the most cost-effective and efficient method for dealing with security threats ranging from viruses and worms, to malicious insider abuse, to attacks from hackers and other malicious agents. PitBull helps ensure the lowest level of vulnerability at the lowest cost and provides the most proactive security possible."

Argus' PitBull has soared through rigorous testing and is proven in demanding environments. The National Security Agency (NSA), NASA and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) have tested and validated PitBull's effectiveness in the development of secure Internet-based architectures. This has demonstrated Argus' product claims that PitBull provides an easy-to-use, reliable security solution which creates a secure application environment by "locking down" an operating system. In addition, PitBull was the highlight of eWeek's OpenHack III hacking challenge in January of 2001, during which 5.4 million attacks were sustained on PitBull-secured e-business systems. After 16 days, not a single attack was successful.

Product Benefits

PitBull offers benefits not available in other security technologies, including:

-- Secure Application Environment (SAE)--These secure, isolated compartments cannot be penetrated by unauthorized users, by illegitimate means, or by malicious programs such as worms. Any number of compartments can reside on a single machine, which allows each application to be totally isolated from all others. If an attacker attempts to exploit a security flaw in one application, the attacker and that exploit are contained inside a single security compartment, unable to access other applications, data or other systems in the network. PitBull's SAE provides a priori defense and allows administrators to escape from the reactionary cycle of "patch and pray" security.

-- Mandatory Access Controls (MAC)--Mandatory access controls ensure that enforcement of organizational security policy does not rely on voluntary user compliance. MACs are enforced system-wide and allow division of administrator duties and functions. MACs also prevent hackers and rogue programs from exploiting application flaws to gain system-wide access. As access to critical systems is extended to customer and partners, MACs become an increasingly important aspect of protecting systems from malicious or unintentional damage.

-- Improved Economics--The combination of PitBull's SAE and MAC can improve a company's economic model by greatly simplifying the security architecture and significantly increasing efficiency of server utilization. PitBull technology obviates the need for numerous security "point products" and reduces security administration overhead. Multiple applications or customers can be securely hosted on a single machine, reducing hardware and administration overhead costs.

About Argus Systems Group, Inc.

Argus Systems Group, Inc. protects vital applications by locking down the invaluable intellectual property stored on Web servers, e-mail servers and corporate databases. Argus' PitBull software is the only independently-certified, trusted e-business platform available for applications running on the world's most popular applications and operating systems including Sun Solaris (SPARC and Intel), IBM AIX and Linux. Headquartered in Savoy, Ill., Argus is privately held with offices around the United States and worldwide. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.argus-systems.com.

PitBull and PitBull LX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Argus Systems Group, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.